"Coming In"

Coming In

Pastel on self-sanded "gator board"

I have been going through boxes of  paintings that needed something, and I found this one.  I have retouched the color and values, made the image more crisp, and refined the context.  The "new" painting accomplishes all that I wanted to gain originally. I have removed the horizon and any reference to the waves, and I have reduced the foreground to a few streaks of foam. The palette is limited to blue, white, and black with various combinations.  A few touches of lavender, pink and green were added to the foam for structure. Once again, I changed its name - I now catalog it as "Coming In."

"Putting Down"

Pastel on sanded gatorboard, 14x11

This painting revised, retouched, and updated 2/21/2023 - see newer listing.

On rainy days, I go through my old paintings, reference photos, and drawings looking for things that interest me.  For some reason, I often find myself drawn to sea gulls.  I admire their freedom and exuberance. 

This particular gull is actually from a photo of a large flock, but his form and sense of presence attracted my attention.  I pulled him out for this study and first called it "All Alone" which is a little ironic because gulls are rarely alone.  "Putting Down" is more descriptive.

Winter Dunes at Talbot

Pastel on sanded board; 14x11

Available, click here

This painting is a view of the dunes back from the beach at Talbot Island State Park.  Oddly enough, these dunes are on the other side of  A1A, and I did the drawing and reference photos from the shoulder of the highway - standing in a bumper crop of sand spurs.

In this piece, I have punched the values and colors in order to add interest and drama.  I limited the detail in the foreground so that I could emphasize the dune ridge.

"Doodlebug, Mayport"

Pastel on sanded Gatorfoam, 14x11

SOLD

This is view of one of the shrimp boats at Mayport.  This particular view was taken from the ferry while crossing the St. Johns River.  I have taken pictures of these boats several times over the years, but this one, taken some years ago, I found particularly appealing.  The Doodlebug looks as if it has been recently painted, and the yellow band of the wheel house really sets it off.

This is a "quick" sketch done mostly with Rembrandt and NuPastels of self-sanded gatorfoam.

"Gap in the Dunes"

Pastel on sanded Gatorfoam - 14x11

SOLD

This view of the dunes at Talbot Island State Park lead away from the beach into the "wilderness."  The gap between these two dunes gives the hint of a path that I've never had the opportunity to follow.  At the end of the day, the sea breeze has died, the light is low and beginning to fade, and an unusual calm settles over the dunes.

This is a painting on self-sanded gator foam over a burnt sienna undercoat.  I used dark NewPastels for the deeper values and set them in place with denatured alcohol.  I've found that plan works best for me and preserves the accents and drama I am looking for.

"Over the Dune"

Pastel on sanded gatorboard - 14x11

SOLD

The sugar white sand of the Gulf beaches and the spectacular green of the sea oats have always captured my attention.  This view of the Gulf is from the top of the dunes at Cape San Blas state park.  I have drawn and photographed this particular view a number of times, and I have done other painting from this position looking in the other direction.  I don't know why I've never painted this view before.

The gatorboard was given two coats of acrylic gesso, then two coats of pumice gel with acrylic burnt sienna.  The surface has enough texture that the undercoat show through in places.  That "peeking through" lends warmth and contrast to the greens.

"Sunshine Choices"

Pastel on sanded Gatorfoam - 14x11

SOLD

In October, the muhly grass is spectacular along the marsh.  It is especially colorful at the Little Jetties Park.  This painting is the result of earlier drawings and photographs of a path that follows the edge of the marsh. 

This painting was done at a place where the path divides.  One branch continues next to the marsh.  The other goes through the groves of cedar and palm trees.  Either choice is good.

At the close of yesterday, I took what I had done out in the yard and hosed it off.  Yesterday was filled with frustration.  This is the same panel, new undercoat, new color, and sand, and voila!